Car and Driver’s issue 338 puts the Spanish-built Cupra Raval VZ in the spotlight, alongside road tests and comparisons. It also previews award contenders and reports from across the motoring world.
Car and Driver’s journalists have tested the Raval VZ, praising its dynamic setup and roominess, along with its finish. Its sharply pointed nose leads into an almost vertical rear, where the lighting helps define the design. The front-wheel-lead electric hatchback produces 226 CV (166 kW) and 290 Nm, reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 175 km/h. Its 52 kWh net NMC battery gives the standard VZ a WLTP range of up to 439 km.
The new issue, number 338, is on sale. Car and Driver sees the Raval as one of Cupra’s strongest models yet and expects it to become the sales successor to the Formentor. Its comparison with the ID. Polo makes the case for the Raval’s driving dynamics; the magazine also notes that the car is manufactured in Spain. Both models are produced at Martorell and belong to Volkswagen Group’s electric urban-car programme, which also includes the ID. Cross and Škoda Epiq. Information from NOZ, more than 80% of the family’s components and technologies are shared. The Raval uses the Group’s MEB+ platform, with Cupra-specific chassis tuning: it sits 15 mm lower than related models and has tracks widened by 10 mm. Carwow España lists adaptive DCC Sport suspension with up to 15 firmness settings and an electronically controlled e-VAQ limited-slip differential among the VZ’s performance hardware. The car measures 4,046 mm long and has a 441-litre boot.
There is plenty beyond the cover test. The issue includes photographs of risky car launches, lifestyle coverage and a report on Antonio Ortuño’s success in the Hot Wheels Tour Spain & Portugal 2026 final. Its new-car round-up features the Jaguar Type 01, Mercedes-AMG CLE 646, Hyundai Tucson and Bayon, Dacia Spring, Citroën 2CV and Renault 8 Gordini Concept. It also covers deals on the Citroën C5 Aircross, Renault 5 E-Tech and Fiat Grande Panda gasolina.
The test section includes Car and Driver’s first lead of the renewed Maserati GranCabrio, alongside first impressions of the Lancia Gamma, Lexus ES, Lepas L8, Hyundai Ioniq 3, Leapmotor B03X, Volkswagen ID. Polo, Peugeot E-208 GTI and GWM Ora 5. Two comparisons pit the Renault Clio E-Tech against the Toyota Yaris 130H, then the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ against the BMW i4 eDrive35. For readers weighing new-car offers against imported used cars, this used-car report examines risks associated with German imports.
A separate preview looks ahead to issue 339, which will rank cars by category before the XXXII Premios Car and Driver, scheduled for late November at the Hotel Mandarin Oriental Ritz. The issue also features an interview with George Russell, a visit to Gothenburg to see how the brand’s designers work, and a look at Jeep’s 4xe range. Other stories cover Ford’s Bluecruise technology and the filming of “Driver”, directed by and starring Sung Kang, the Han Lue of “Fast & Furious”. The Mitsubishi Montero’s history rounds out the coverage.
